Guide for Buying Corona Virus Face Masks

When the world is facing a pandemic, the World Health Organization gives guidelines on how to minimize infections. The government of Hong Kong has ensured that it updates all citizens on the precautionary measures they should take.

Face masks are proven to reduce the risk of transmitting deadly Coronavirus. However, there are various types of face masks in the market; you may purchase a mask that will not serve the purpose.

The best way to remain safe during this pandemic is to limit social interactions. It may not be 100% possible to shut yourself out of the real world; therefore, you need to have a few pieces of face masks to use when going out in public. The tips below will help you get the best masks to protect you from Coronavirus.

How Covid-19 is Transmitted

Coronavirus is a respiratory disease. You can contact it if you get in contact with an infected person. WHO advises people to avoid touching your face, especially the nose, mouth, and eyes. The virus is very active in wet areas and rapidly transmitted through body fluids.

If you have the virus, do not cough or sneeze around people, if possible, isolate yourself to avoid the spread of the virus.

The Best masks to Prevent Spread of Viruses

WHO recommends only two types of face masks; Surgical Face masks and the N95 face masks. Surgical masks are loose-fitting. They are comfortable to your face and protect you to up to 95% of viruses and pathogens in the air.

Respirators or the N95 masks fit the face well. They may get a bit uncomfortable, especially in hot environments. The Respirator is more effective in curbing the transmission of the Coronavirus since it does not leave room between the mask and the face where the virus can sneak.

Beware of vendors who are selling counterfeit masks, fabric and paper masks, allergy, and dust masks claiming they will protect you from Covid-19.

How To Choose a Facemask For Coronavirus

The current pandemic has led to a shortage of face masks in the market, counterfeit and substandard masks are on the loose. The following tips will guide you to choose the right mask for yourself.

• Make sure that your mask os ASTM rated. ASTM levels will indicate the kind of risk the mask will protect you from.
• The face mask should be breathable to enable you to breathe comfortably. You are trying to protect yourself from a virus, not to die.
• The mask should have a bacterial filtration feature. Although the viruses are smaller than bacteria, the mask will filter the larger percentage of the airborne pathogens.
• The material of the mask should be flame-resistant. You will probably use it in areas with open flames like the kitchen. You want to remain safe while protecting others from the virus, therefore you will need a mask that can withstand high temperatures without bursting into flames.
• The mask should be PFE testes. It should be able to filter particles of up to 1 micron.
• The mask should be fluid resistant. The feature helps to trap the saliva droplets when you cough or sneeze; therefore, it will prevent you from spreading the virus to other people.
• Choose a disposable face mask over a re-usable face mask. Research about Covid-19 is still underway and, the behavior of the virus is still a mystery; therefore, do not risk by reusing a face mask. Dispose of a mask after every use. A disposable face mask is better, safer, and cheaper during this moment.
• When buying online, select a mask with many reviews. Most counterfeits are new in the market and are likely to have few or no reviews. The seller rating should be high; that way, you will avert scammers.
• If you are working in a high-risk environment, choose a respirator over a surgical mask. The design of a respirator allows it to filter pathogens and viruses in the air. A surgical mask will bar you from transmitting the virus to others. On the other hand, a respirator can protect you from inhaling the harmful pathogens and viruses.
• Choose a mask with a longer effective life. It ensures you remain safe in case you stay out of the house longer than you anticipated.

What Masks to Avoid

If you are asthmatic or have some respiratory difficulties, avoid the respirators (N95). They may cause you more harm than good. Use surgical face masks approved by medical authorities,

Do not use plastic or paper masks. They will not protect you from viruses and p[athogens,

How to Correctly Wear a Mask

• Check whether the mask has any damages. Do not use a defective mask; it poses a risk to your health.
• Wear the mask by pulling the loops over the ears. The colored side should face out. Avoid touching the surface of the mask as you may be transferring germs and harmful pathogens to the mask. Remove it by the loops, to avoid transferring trapped pathogens from the mask to your hands.
• Replace the mask any time it comes to contact with fluids. Fluids are the significant vessels of coronavirus transmission.
• Make sure your mask covers the nose, mouth, and chin. Press the metal plates located at the nose area to close the gap between the mask and the nose.
• Do now wear the mask upside down; the metal plates are located on the upper part only; it will be futile to wear the mask and leave the gap at the nose area.

Who Should Wear a Face Mask

Healthy people who are practicing social distancing do not need to wear a mask all the time. Wear a mask when you go out of the house.

Medical practitioners should wear face masks all the time. Hospitals are hotspots for the coronavirus transmission. The shortage of facemasks in Italy resulted in 10% of the medical force contracting the Coronavirus.

Bottomline

With the shortage of face masks in the market, remain indoors and step out only when it is inevitable. Let the few pieces available in the market be of help to the medical practitioners and those people working in high-risk areas.

When you need to purchase a mask, follow the guidelines above to avoid counterfeit and ineffective face masks amid the coronavirus pandemic. Remember to wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, and use sterilizer whenever necessary.